Top 10 High Income Skills of 2025 (Based on Real Data)
Published 11 Jun 2020
Is a Career in Nutrition Right for You?
Candlefox 
From public health to sports nutrition, food science to private practice, health professionals in nutrition can work in many different places, with a variety of responsibilities. But how do you know if working as a nutritionist is the right career path for you?
Nutrition is now regarded as one of the most important aspects of maintaining good health and wellness. Working in nutrition involves expert knowledge on the science of food, and assisting people in reaching positive health outcomes and managing diet-related issues.
Talking about food and healthy eating habits all day, helping people live their best life – sounds pretty great, right? But, before you dive straight into a nutrition course, you’re probably wondering what it is really like to work in nutrition, and how to know if it’s the right career path for you. To answer these questions we’ve spoken to Dr Liz Isenring, professor of Nutrition and Dietetics and founder of LINC Nutrition, who has been working as a nutritionist for over 20 years.
Dr Liz began her career in a hospital setting, thinking she would be there for life. “Little did I realise that as a dietitian and nutritionist I’d help people with cancer, run research trials, teach students, publish scientific papers and be invited around the world to speak on nutrition and wellness.”
“Nutrition and dietetics is a fascinating field”Dr Liz Isenring
What makes a good nutritionist?
The career opportunities for a nutritionist are vast and varied, and there are aspects which would be rich and rewarding for almost anyone. Do any of these traits sound like you?
Analytical and like to understand how things work
Driven to help people
Enjoy problem-solving
Interested in food and healthy eating
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Dr Liz suggests that, “If you love food, cooking, science and health and are motivated to help people, then nutrition and dietetics may be the profession for you.”
Nutritionist and Dietitian Careers in Australia: A Beginner’s Guide
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about the field of nutrition and dietetics and tells you the steps you need to take to become a nutritionist or dietitian.
What does a nutritionist actually do?
In Australia, the term ‘nutritionist’ refers to a broad range of nutrition services, including dietitians. Your responsibilities and where you work will depend on the type of qualification you get, so be careful if you’re deciding between free and paid nutrition courses.
Nutritionists may work in clinical settings, meeting one-on-one with clients to manage diet-related matters such as allergies, digestion problems, sports nutrition or weight management. Nutritionists also work in public health, policy-making, research and community health roles. Product development and food service industries also draw on the skills and knowledge of nutritionists.
In her career, Dr Liz has had professional experience in many of these settings.
“I’ve worked as a clinical dietitian in hospitals helping people impacted with cancer get through their treatment and reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.
“I’ve worked as a researcher investigating the effects of different diets and supplements on health outcomes. I’ve published guidelines and scientific papers that are accessed by over 40 countries and has led to improved care for hundreds of thousands of patients.
“As a Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics, I’ve taught the next generation of nutrition and dietetic professionals at universities.”
Nutritionist vs Dietitian: What’s the difference?
Clinical dietitians are differentiated from other nutrition professionals in Australia through membership to the Dietitians Association of Australia as Accredited Practising Dietitians. Clinical dietitians primarily work in hospital settings, helping people with health problems, including heart disease and diabetes, or those recovering from illness. Accredited practising dietitians are nutritionists, and may perform similar tasks to other nutrition and dietetics health professionals, but with an emphasis on evidence-based practice which often requires postgraduate education.
We asked Dr Liz, what are the pros of a career in nutrition and dietetics? Here’s what she had to say:
And what about the cons?
“The only con I can think of is because nutrition is so popular there are more graduates than advertised jobs. This is not necessarily a problem if you are passionate, determined and create your own opportunities,” Dr Liz says.
“With all the nutrition-related problems there is no shortage of need and hopefully positions will improve in the future.”
How do I become a nutritionist?
If you’re ready to get into the workforce as soon as possible, certificate IV and diploma programs can get you there in under a year! Alternatively, these courses can be used to build a foundation for further study.
Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Nutrition and Dietetics Specialisation)
Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Nutrition & Dietetics)
Diploma Of Nutrition (Non-Clinical Advisor)
To become a clinical dietitian, or gain more in-depth expert knowledge of health science in the field of nutrition, higher education such as a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree might be the way to go.
For detailed info about your nutrition and dietetics career path, check out How to Become a Nutritionist: Your Ultimate Guide.
Dr Liz Isenring is a professor of Nutrition and Dietetics based in Brisbane and Gold Coast, and founder of LINC Nutrition.
Browse Nutrition Results
Top Result
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) (VIC Only) CPC40120
If you are an aspiring or working tradesperson, here is your foundation for success. This is your first step towards starting your own building business and preparing for the builders registration. We understand that you could be a busy tradie by day,...
Study Method In-class, Online
Location Melbourne Victoria
Job Outcomes Site manager +3
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (VIC Only) CPC50220
Prepare for registration as a Builder with the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50210) Gain the skills & knowledge to run your own business Study when it suits you – online & on campus options available...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Victoria
Job Outcomes Construction Manager +4
Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (VIC ONLY) CPC40920
This course covers common skills for the plumbing industry as well as specialist streams relevant to gasfitting, drainage, sewerage, roof drainage and more....
Study Method In-class
Location Victoria
Job Outcomes Carpenters +1
Building Leadership Programme (VIC ONLY) CPC40110 ,CPC502110
BAA is proudly partnered with Victoria University to offer our students higher education opportunities. Whether students are after an alternative way to gain entry into a degree, or simply want to try out a study path so they can confirm their longer-t...
Study Method In-class
Location Melbourne Victoria +3
Job Outcomes Construction Manager +5
Bachelor of Dance Education (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Dance Education is a unique specialist professional qualification and is Australia’s first–being delivered through ACPE! Units are provided by highly qualified and experienced professionals, empowering you with all the knowledge and ski...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Dance teacher (secondary sch... +4
Bachelor of Education (Physical & Health Education) (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Education (Physical & Health Education) incorporates units in movement and health as well as curriculum and pedagogical studies, equipping you with the requisite skills for entering the teaching profession. If you are keen to pursue...
Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes PDHPE secondary teacher +4
Associate Degree of Sport Business (NSW Only)
Get a higher education qualification in two years when studying full-time! Based on the Bachelor of Sport Business in terms of content, the Associate Degree of Sport Business offers students the opportunity to get into the workforce quicker or alternat...
Study Method In-class, Online
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Sport manager +4
Bachelor of Dance Practice (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Dance Practice is a specialised degree that will equip you with the skills and experience to become a professional in the dance industry. The course develops artistry, choreography, performance, educational, business, and organisational...
Study Method In-class
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Dance artist (company dancer... +9
Bachelor of Health Science (Exercise) (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Health Science (Exercise) offers the perfect career path for those looking to enhance their knowledge and skills through further studies in physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and other health professions. You will come to understand ho...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Exercise scientist +4
Bachelor of Sports Coaching (Strength and Conditioning) (NSW Only)
To address the high demand for sport coaches and professionals in Australia, the Bachelor of Sport Coaching (Strength and Conditioning) is a specialist degree fostering the coaching, administrative, and professional skills necessary for a fulfilling ca...
Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Director of coaching +5
Bachelor of Sport Business (Leadership)
Turn your passion for sport into a career by immersing yourself in a degree that will broaden your theoretical and technical knowledge, so that you are fully equipped fora management role within the sport industry. The Bachelor of Sport Business (Leade...
Study Method In-class, Online
Location Anywhere
Job Outcomes Sport manager +5
Certificate III in Fitness SIS30321
If you’re looking to begin your career in the fitness industry, studying the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness is the perfect qualification to get you started. Gain all the knowledge and skills you need to enter the industry as a Gym Instructor or Gr...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Melbourne Victoria
Personal Trainer Course SIS30321, SIS40221
Join the fitness industry as a Personal Trainer and turn your love for fitness into a rewarding career by graduating in both the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness & SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness. Enjoy the flexibility of being your own boss...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location New South Wales +6
Certificate IV in Fitness SIS40221
Take the next step in your career and gain the qualification you need to become a Personal Trainer. If you currently work in the fitness industry as a Gym or Group Fitness Instructor, elevate yourself to the next level by studying the SIS40221 Certific...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Melbourne Victoria
Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy)
Naturopathy is a whole medical system combining theory (philosophy and principles) and practise that uses an array of natural therapies to support healing and maintain health. Naturopaths aim to treat the underlying causes of illness and disease. The c...
Study Method Blended
Location Adelaide South Australia +5
Job Outcomes Naturopath
Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition)
Clinical nutritionists integrate traditional food wisdom and current scientific evidence to motivate individuals and communities to eat well and live healthier lives. The Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition) is supported by a strong underpin...
Study Method Blended
Location Adelaide South Australia +5
Job Outcomes Clinical Nutritionist corpor... +1
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing OR Disability) (Perth Only) CHC33021
If you have a passion for helping those most in need, this qualification is one way you can utilise your knowledge for the benefit of others. Package the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing or Disability) (CHC33021) to save time and gain know...
Study Method In-class
Location Perth Western Australia +2
Job Outcomes Care Assistant +4
Certificate lll in Early Childhood Education & Care (Perth Only) CHC30121
If you love working with children and want to learn more about providing quality education and care in a range of environments, this course is for you. The Certificate lll in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) can provide you with an entry-l...
Study Method In-class
Location Perth Western Australia +2
Job Outcomes Early Childhood Educator +2
Certificate III in Community Services (Perth Only) CHC32015
Are you a natural when it comes to providing guidance to people? Would you like to kick start a career in Community Services? The Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015) is the perfect entry-level qualification for prospective Community Servic...
Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Perth Western Australia +1
Job Outcomes Support Worker +1
Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport (VIC Only) HLT31120
Our Promise We are confident in the delivery of our training. On successful completion of the course, graduates will be guaranteed a telephone interview for vacant Patient Transport Officer positions in the Non-Emergency Patient Transport division. So...
Study Method Blended
Location Melbourne Victoria
Online courses also available
Loading...
Not sure which course to choose? Let us recommend the best courses to suit you!
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get expert advice, insights, and explainers on tricky topics — designed to help you navigate your learning journey with confidence.
By submitting this enquiry I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"
